Brazil suspends cruise operations due to surge Coronavirus cases

Cruise operations in Brazil would be suspended until Jan. 21, due to climbing numbers of coronavirus cases on board ships, the Brazilian branch of the cruise lines association Clia said.

The decision, which Clia stressed was voluntary, would apply immediately to new departures. Ships already sailing would complete their voyages as planned.

Brazil's health agency Anvisa said it had ordered two cruises cancelled and recommended the health ministry suspend the cruise season.

Anvisa also announced investigations into the two cruise companies operating in Brazil, the Swiss firm MSC Cruises and Italian Costa Crociere for possible non-compliance with health regulations.

Anvisa said 798 people among the passengers and crew of five ships in Brazil had tested positive for coronavirus in the nine days from Dec. 26, to Jan. 3.

That compared to 31 cases since the season began on Nov. 1, 55 days earlier.

60 per cent of the most recent cases of infection were among crew members.

Ships in other parts of the world were also faced disruption recently due to coronavirus cases on board.

In Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, passengers on a ship operated by Holland America Line were not allowed to disembark shortly before Christmas, due to COVID-19 cases.

They were allowed to go ashore at another Mexican port a few days later.